The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC explains vote-buying delay following the recent Anambra State governorship election. Arrested offenders have not yet faced court because security agencies have not submitted their investigation reports, the Commission said.
At a stakeholders’ forum organized by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Abuja on Thursday, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, explained the reasons.
He said INEC is empowered to prosecute electoral offenders but does not arrest them. Security agencies like the police and EFCC handle arrests. These agencies must submit investigation reports before INEC can prosecute.
“We are coordinating with the police, EFCC, and other agencies to receive investigation reports. INEC prosecutes, but it cannot arrest offenders,” Amupitan said.
Amupitan assured the public that those arrested for vote-buying will face court once reports are submitted. He stressed that technological integrity must align with political accountability to secure democracy.
“Those arrested will have their day in court,” he added.
The INEC chairman noted that poor telecommunication networks hinder real-time uploading of results from 176,000 polling units across Nigeria, especially in remote areas.
“Technological integrity must be matched by political accountability,” he said.
In short, INEC explains vote-buying delay as the result of pending reports from security agencies. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to upholding electoral justice and accountability in Nigeria..
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